Edinburgh is Scotland’s captivating capital city and its character and charm has drawn visitors to its ancient streets for years. The city has strong royal connections and is a delightful treasure trove for history buffs and culture vultures. The centre is focused around the castle, Holyrood House (the Queen’s official Scottish residence) and St Giles Cathedral, which dates back to 854. All of these sights are just a few steps from the doors of the Radisson Blu Hotel, Edinburgh, on the Royal Mile. Edinburgh is surrounded by bold Scottish countryside, including Arthur’s Seat, part of Holyrood Park, a great place for walks and views over the city, River Forth estuary and the distant North Sea.

The Scottish capital is famed for its festival, which has been running since 1947. Over the summer months it’s a joy to explore the streets and parks and see the talented comedians, actors, musicians and poets filling the city with laughter and anticipation. But Edinburgh has other great draws - you could easily spend the afternoon at the Scotch Whisky Experience sipping on single malt and learning about the smell and taste of the wee drams from the highlands and lowlands of this arresting country. With a bit of Dutch courage you can then venture down to the dungeons and the underground warrens of the Real Mary's King Close underneath the Royal Mile. Visit the National Museum of Scotland and take in the contemporary Scottish Parliament building, or if you’re looking for a quiet hideaway close to the hotel you can duck into The Royal Mile ‘secret gardens’ which are lovely enclosed green spaces hidden behind the tenements on the old high street.

Whatever the reason for your visit, the ambience of Edinburgh will seduce you. During the day the city is a delightful treasure chest waiting to be discovered but in the evenings it transforms into a colourful vibrant party land with bars on George Street or Cowgate and merry chatter filling the square at Grassmarket, bathed in the lights from the commanding castle up the hill.

6 things to do in Edinburgh

Scotland’s capital city is a joy to discover so we’ve picked six things you must do during your stay.

If you’re visiting Edinburgh in the summer months you are in for a treat as you will be drawn into the world-renowned Edinburgh Festival, which has been thrilling people since 1947. You’ll experience comedy, theatre, music and the spirit of the city as the summer days fill up with colour and excitement.

The hotel is on the Royal Mile so you are already well placed for Holyrood Palace, home to Mary Queen of Scots and where the Queen holds State ceremonies. The Castle is also here so arrive for opening at 9.30am and beat the crowds to the sparkling crown jewels.

For a taste of Scottish whisky visit the Scots Whisky Heritage Centre. The centre is well thought out and you can even take a ‘barrel ride’ which takes you on a journey through the whisky making process from fields of barley to burning peat and water mills to sturdy oak casks. Afterwards in the bar choose from more than 300 single malts, blends and scotch from fruity to sweet and smoky.

If your head’s not too sore take a stroll over to the National Museum of Scotland which has recently completed a multi-million pound redevelopment. There are more than 20,000 artefacts inside which showcase Scotland’s culture, history, science and stunning natural world.

Stop for a coffee. Café culture is alive and well in Edinburgh and you’ll often spot a tea room or café with wonderful home-made cakes to complement a comforting hot drink. These are perfect places to recharge and do a bit of people watching at the same time.

On your bike! Jump on a bike to see parts of Edinburgh you can’t reach by foot. This is a wonderful city to explore on two wheels from the Old Town with Princes Street and the Royal Mile to the neoclassical architecture of the New Town absorbs the business at Edinburgh’s heart. Further afield you can discover Arthur’s Seat and the sea beyond.

Ask anyone what Edinburgh’s top attraction is and you’ll probably get a pause before they reel off a list as long as your arm…Here are a few of the city’s top attractions.

HISTORY
Edinburgh would be a different city without its castle, cathedral and palace and you’ll often feel their presence when you’re exploring the city. Look up when you’re having a bite to eat or a coffee break as you may well see the sturdy walls of the castle above you, or hear the choir from St Giles’ Cathedral. You can get some great photos of Holyrood Palace and the castle at night too as they are illuminated with atmospheric lights. If you want to visit these three top historical attractions it’s best to be an early bird especially if you want to see the majestic crown jewels without queuing.

FESTIVITY
Mention you are going to the Edinburgh Festival to your friends and they will be envious! This is an eclectic festival of the arts, music, comedy and theatre. It lights up the city during the summer and creates an ambience of both daring frivolity and creative ambition. Laughter is also never far away. Tim Vine’s joke won best joke at the 2014 Fringe Festival: “I decided to sell my Hoover… well it was just collecting dust”…

TASTE
One of Edinburgh’s top attractions is of course its Scottish whisky and where better to try it than at the Scots Whisky Heritage Centre. Take the tour and try to hold back when you see the 300 single malts on offer in the shop. Edinburgh is also a great city for pubs and restaurants and the student population makes sure the streets are buzzing all night.

CULTURE
Apart from the architecture, the music, theatre and arts you’ll discover as you walk around the Scottish capital, Edinburgh has some great museums. Take a trip down memory lane at the Museum of Childhood and see Steiff bears as well as other childhood toys. For big kids there is the National Museum of Flight where you’ll see a Spitfire, a Concorde and experience the interactive gallery where you can feel the force of flying.